I can't get the hang of those graphs

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Smelly
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graphs
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematics assignment involving the interpretation of displacement-time graphs and the derivation of velocity-time graphs. Participants explore the concepts of velocity, derivatives, and the graphical representation of these relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in determining when velocity is greatest from a displacement-time graph and how to create a corresponding velocity-time graph.
  • Another participant explains that velocity can be derived from the change in position over time, prompting a question about which component of the graph provides that information.
  • A third participant notes that since the thread is categorized under "calculus," the relationship between velocity and the derivative of the position function is relevant, emphasizing that the greatest velocity corresponds to the steepest tangent line on the graph.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster found the answer through discussion with a friend, realizing that the solution was simpler than initially thought, but still expresses appreciation for the assistance received.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method for deriving the velocity-time graph, as the original poster resolves their confusion independently. However, there is a shared understanding of the relationship between displacement and velocity through derivatives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a reliance on calculus concepts and the interpretation of graphical data, but does not delve into specific mathematical steps or definitions that may be necessary for complete understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on calculus assignments involving graphical analysis of motion, particularly those struggling with the concepts of derivatives and their applications to velocity.

Smelly
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I have this maths assignment and the first part I can't do. I've been searching the net for help until I found this site so hopefully you smarties can help me.
I was given a dispacement time graph and from it I have to find when velocity was greatest and create a velocity time graph from the displacement time graph. HOW?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Velocity is the change in position over time.

What component of a position/time graph could you extract that from?
 
Since you posted this under "calculus", I presume you know that velocity is the derivative of the position function. You should also know that the derivative is the slope of the tangent line.

Okay- greatest velocity means greatest derivative means steepest tangent line.
 
I found out how to do it today when I discussed it with a friend. I was just looking for a more complicated answer then what the answer actually was. I thought there was some weird way I hadn't learned yet to find the answer like a different process that makes the answer more exact but I was wrong. I always do that and then realize that the answer was simple all along. I'm crazy. But your info still helped me so thanks a lot you guys and sorry to bother you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K